Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

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Heart, front view

Heart, section through the middle

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a form of cardiomyopathy, a condition in which the heart muscle to become thick. The thickening makes it harder for the heart to work.

Cardiomyopathy - hypertrophic (HCM); IHSS; Idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis; Asymmetric septal hypertrophy; ASH; HOCM; Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is often asymmetrical, meaning one part of the heart is thicker than the other parts. The condition is usually passed down through families (inherited). It is believed to be a result of several problems (defects) with the genes that control heart muscle growth.

Because hypertrophic cardiomyopathy causes the size of one of the heart chambers (ventricular chamber) to shrink, the heart must work harder to pump blood. The thickening of the heart muscle may complete block the normal flow of blood out of the heart. It may also make it harder for the heart valves to work. Heart valves help control the direction of blood flow.

Younger people are likely to have a more severe form of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. However, the condition is seen in people of all ages. In people over age 60, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is often associated with mild hypertension (high blood pressure).

Review Date: 07/17/2006
Reviewed By: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.